India seeks deeper defence ties with Japan amid push for strategic self-reliance
India is seeking to deepen defence cooperation with Japan as both nations pursue military modernisation and aim to reduce dependence on traditional arms suppliers – a strategic alignment analysts say reflects shared regional concerns and a growing appetite for co-developing advanced technologies.
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Earlier this month, both countries agreed to set up a new bilateral defence consultation framework, with Japanese media reporting that Tokyo had offered to help India develop fighter jets and tanks, including through potential exports of engines and other key components.
The timing of the initiative comes as India reassesses its defence priorities following its most serious military confrontation with Pakistan in two decades – a crisis sparked by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists on April 22.
New Delhi blamed the assault on Islamabad and responded with missile strikes on what it described as 'terrorist camps' in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, prompting retaliatory attacks and bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale war.
The stand-off ended in a fragile ceasefire over the weekend but has intensified calls within India for greater security self-reliance and enhanced deterrence capabilities.
After India and Pakistan trade blows over Kashmir, will their ceasefire hold?
After India and Pakistan trade blows over Kashmir, will their ceasefire hold?
Although Japan is unlikely to be directly involved in any future hostilities between India and Pakistan, it could play a critical role in helping India prevent and respond to security threats, according to Dattesh Parulekar, assistant professor at Goa University's School of International and Area Studies.
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